Freezin' for a Reason This Weekend

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Temps may be in the 60s for a couple of days this week, but you'll probably have forgotten all about when you're shivering at the fifth annual Freezin' for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip.

That teeth-chattering chill is a small price to pay for the reason you'll be taking a full body dive into the frosty Lake Anne. The Virginia Polar Dip raises funds to send children with life-threatening illnesses to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine.

The camp provides a low-key atmosphere that fosters hope to children stricken with illness. The year-round program is free for all families and includes accommodations, meals and recreational activities. Twenty-four-hour medical and psycho-social support is also provided. Bereavement support is available for families who have lost a child to illness.

The Polar Dip is just one of the 12 polar plunge fundraiser events held by Camp Sunshine. New York, Connecticut, Maine and New Jersey are among other states raising money to send children from their regions to the camp each year.

Adults, as well as kids age six and older, are encouraged to take part in the plunge (bring a costume!) on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Registration starts at 1 p.m., with a minimum of $100 in pledges required. (See fundraising ideas here.) The plunge is at 2 p.m., at the Reston Community Center (1609 Washington Plaza North, Reston, Va.), about 25 miles from downtown D.C.